Max

My 10 year old son Max was diagnosed with Morphea at about age 7. He had a brownish spot on his right abdomen and everyone who saw it thought it was a bruise. The dermatologist explained what it was and gave us some information on it. It has grown slightly and sometimes gets white, shiny spots on it, but for the most part has been fine.

Max was very conscious of it at first, but once the doctor gave it a name and advised that there is no cure, but that it may go away as he gets older, Max has accepted it and when kids ask he tells them. He lives his life as any 10 year old boy and we rarely discuss it. It's just part of Max, like a birthmark or scar. I worry as a mom that it could get worse, but for now I am satisfied that he is fine. We visit his dermatologist once a year for check-ups. Max is extremely bright and inventive and loves cars, machines and exploring how things work and how to make them work better. He also has a fascination with the weather. His grandmother has Lupus and I often wonder if it this is somehow related.

With summer here now, it is such a joy to see him play in the pool and not even give a moment's notice to his Morphea. I'm so blessed to have such an awesome kid!

valhoglund@hotmail.com